Studying the effects of Non-Tariff Barriers on the export of the main agricultural products of Iran.

Problem statement: As trade agreements decrease tariffs throughout th e world, other barriers to trade emerge. These Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) can be just as troublesome as tariffs for exporting countries. NTB s include any of a number of hindrances that restric t the ability of companies to export. NTB s may now have a greater impact on trade than tariff s. Approach: In contrast with previous research, we used a gravity model to estim ate the trade effect of non-tariff barriers imposed by importer countries on pistachios, raisins and sh rimp exported by Iran. Results: NTBs had a negative impact on pistachio and shrimp exports and their effect was greater than that of tariffs; rai sin exports were unaffected by NTBs. Conclusion/Recommendations: The export and the world demand for agricultural products increasing focusing on qu ality, packaging, labeling and standards of product s. Policy makers in countries that export agricultural products, such as Iran, must consider these characteristics when designing their programs. Ther efore, if Iran builds up-to-date production systems , it will increase its exports of agricultural produc ts.